OK, so we know temperatures are heating up across the state and it’s already well on its way into the 90s by noon most days, but watching Mick Rogers and the rest of the crew race in last week’s AMGEN Tour of California sure did make us want to take stock of our cycling gear. If you’ve been freshly bitten by the road racing bug too, or fancy yourself getting into the sport, here are a few of the best cycling shops in the Valley you can visit for equipment and advice. All our picks are single-location independents where you’ll feel like you’re getting the time and attention you deserve.
Bicycle Haus
This is the premier cycling shop in the Valley, and it also has a competitive club team comprised of more than 60 members. Able to offer a full range of services – everything from tune-ups to major repairs – the staff members here know their stuff. The Haus carries products, parts, and apparel by many of the biggest names in cycling, including Colnago, Pinarello, Castelli, Orbea, Zipp, Chrome, Campagnolo, and others. In their Fit Studio, the staff can make adjustments both large and small to your bike and accessory equipment in order to make sure you experience the most efficient ride possible. Bicycle Haus even has an in-house massage therapist specializing in deep tissue and Swedish massage techniques most beneficial to athletes.
Bicycle Haus is located at 7025 E. Fifth Avenue in Downtown Scottsdale (480) 994-4287
Bicycle Ranch
Bicycle Ranch, established by Glen Hinshaw, has been part of the cycling community for 15 years. In 2008, Markus Zimmer and Andy Peshek took over ownership and management of the store, and we have to say, the quality of service has remained rock-steady. Complete with a full-service department and able to perform custom fittings, the team at the ranch pride themselves on delivering the most personalized, laid-back service possible. In other words, you won’t feel pressure from the staff to buy anything here, but you’ll want to, because they’re so helpful. Brands include Serotta, Trek, and Giro.
Bicycle Ranch is located at 15454 N. Frank Lloyd Wright in Scottsdale (480) 614-8300
Domenic’s 2 Wheelers (formerly Domenic’s Cycling)
Once upon a time, Domenic’s 2 Wheelers and Domenic’s Cycling decided they could better serve the greater Phoenix area by combining forces. Now, operating under the name of the former, and with a total of more than 30 years of experience, Domenic’s amasses and maintains a huge inventory of quality bikes and products without allowing the service to suffer. You’ll find some big names here, including Trek, Tommasini, Orbea, Bianchi, Cannondale, and more. The shop’s competitive team, the Strada Racing Club, has three national championship wins and 119 state championship wins to its credit. Clearly, they know what they’re doing.
Domenic’s 2 Wheelers is located at 2010 S. Rural Road in Tempe (480) 967-7700 or (480) 968-8011
Focus Cyclery
Home of the Focus Racing team, and carrying brands such as Trek, Gary Fisher, and Oakley, Focus is the cycling shop of choice for residents on the southeast side of town. They offer every service you could ever need, plus convenient “overhaul” packages for when your bike may need major updating. You can also choose from several fitting levels, such as the Quick Fit and Pro Fit options, to make sure your bike aligns with your proportions perfectly. Trivia: At the 2009 Tour of California, Focus Cyclery founder and owner Mike Hershauer got to take a ride in the Columbia/Highroad team car behind Mark Renshaw. Read about his experience on the shop’s site.
Focus Cyclery is located at 3107 S. Gilbert Road, Suite 109 (480) 558-0104
